Soap fans many not be happy, but the Beeb are sticking to their plans.

The BBC have been forced to defend recent changes to their schedule, which have been made to accommodate coverage of the Euro 2016 Championship.

The Beeb are screening a number of the tournament’s games, which has meant shows including ‘EastEnders’ have been subject to a reshuffle.

BBC PicturesFans will have to wait a little longer to find out what happens with Martin and Sonia

Earlier this week, 'EastEnders' viewers expressed their disdain upon realising Monday’s episode was cancelled, while Tuesday’s was shown at the earlier time of 7pm.

A BBC spokesperson has now responded to saddened soap fans, saying (via Digital Spy): "BBC One is a mixed genre channel that broadcasts big live sporting events of national interest like the Euros 2016.

"It is sometimes necessary to move slots to accommodate live matches but ‘EastEnders’ continues to be on BBC One throughout the tournament."

As the tournament continues, further disruption is expected.

It’s not just the Beeb who have shuffled their usual programmes to make way for the football, though, as ‘Coronation Street’ and ‘Emmerdale’ have also been disrupted over on ITV.

Two of next week’s ‘Corrie’ episodes have been cancelled altogether, while Thursday’s (23 June), will be at 9pm, and an hour long.

A number of ‘Emmerdale’ episode have also been shifted, and on Monday and Wednesday (20 and 22 June) it will be shown at 6.45pm.